Arsenal and Newcastle United are set to face off in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday. The Gunners are currently second in the table, just two points behind leaders Manchester City, while Newcastle is fourth, six points behind Arsenal but with a game in hand. Newcastle have been dealt fresh injury blows in the lead up to Sunday’s game.
The match will surely be fiery, with both teams desperate for a win. Arsenal will be looking to keep their title hopes alive, while Newcastle will hope to cement their place in thе Tор Fоur. The matchup between the two teams last season, resulted in a 2-0 loss for Arsenal and in which midfielder Granit Xhaka stated to Sky Sports “We don’t forget the game we had last season when, I have to be honest, they destroyed us”.
Can Arsenal keep their title hopes alive?
Arsenal have bееn inconsistent in recent weeks. Тhey havе drаwn their last two games аnd have been held tо bасk-tо-bасk 1-1 draws against Crystal Pаlаce аnd Brighton & Hоve Albion. Despite winning against a lacklustre Chelsea, the Gunners could find themselves four points behind City at kick off and having won just one of their last give away games in all competitions, the fortress of St James Park may just be too much.
Can Newcastle continue their impressive form?
Newcastle have been one of the surprise packages of the season. They were in a relegation battle at the start of the season, but they have been transformed since the Saudi-led takeover in January. The Magpies have won their last three games and are now in contention for a top-four finish. St James Park has been turned into a fortress this season, with only Liverpool and Man City recording a victory there and the Arsenal players will have a hostile reception to greet them on Sunday. They will need to be prepared for the atmosphere, and their brittle away form suggests this is a problem they have not found a solution for. In comparison, Newcastle have showed no signs of slowing down. Eddie Howe and his team have made it eight wins in the last nine and the Premier League form table which covers the past six matches for all teams, has them a comfortable third, beaten only by Liverpool and of course Manchester City.
Which Newcastle Defender will be the one to silence Saka?
It will be tough for any Newcastle defender to stop Bukayo Saka, but Fabian Schär is the best option. Schär is a strong and physical defender who is good in the air. He is also good at reading the game and positioning himself well. Saka is a fast and skilful winger who is challenging to defend against. He is also good at creating chances for himself and his teammates. However, World Cup fatigue seems to have set in, with a worrying drop in form for the young winner, scoring just once in the last six.
If Schär can stay close to Saka and make it difficult for him to get the ball, he will have a good chance of stopping him from causing damage. Schär must also know Saka’s pace and be prepared to track him back if he gets behind the defence. If Schär can do all these things, he will give Newcastle a good chance of keeping Saka quiet and getting a result against Arsenal.
Ones to Watch:
Alexander Isak vs Ben White
The matchup between Isak and White will be one of the most intriguing battles of the game. In his first season in the Premier League, Isak has managed 10 league goals so far, and will be hoping to add more against Arsenal. A great ball carrier and target man, the 6”3 striker will be hoping to use his strength and power to bully White as well as provide service for his teammates. White hopes to use his intelligence and positioning to keep Isak quiet. Isak is not the only Newcastle striker in red hot form, with Callum Wilson on a run of eight goals in his last seven against a weakened Arsenal defence with Saliba injured and Gabriel having picked up a knock. For those looking at the best bets on the football market, the Newcastle duo are priced at 7/5 to score anytime.
Allan Saint- Maxim
Allan Saint-Maximin is one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. He has been injured for the last few weeks but is expected to return for the match against Arsenal. Saint-Maximin is a significant threat to any team, with his pace and dribbling and he could be the difference between the two sides on Sunday.
Predicted Line Ups
Newcastle United Predicted line-up (4-3-3):
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Wilson, Isak.
Arsenal Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Holding, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Trossard; Jesus.
Summary
Arsenal and Newcastle United will face off in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday, which will surely be fiery, with both teams desperate for a win. Although Arsenal has experience on their side, they are shaky without defensive talisman Saliba and the pressure to bring the title might have become just too much. The slick attractive yet defensively solid football Eddie Howe has his team playing, instilled as well as the home fans adding to an incredible atmosphere at St James Park, means Newcastle may edge the battle and cement their place in the Top Four.